Josh Allen tunnel vision for Stefon Diggs limits offense against NY Giants

The Buffalo Bills moved to 4-2 on the season after a close 14-9 win over the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football. In the game, the Bills did not get the ball into the end zone until the fourth quarter with both touchdowns coming on Josh Allen passes.

Two unlikely sources caught the touchdowns from Allen. The first was a 3-yard catch by Deonte Harty. It was his only reception on the night. The second gave Buffalo the lead as Allen connected with tight end Quintin Morris. The 15-yard grab was his first catch and target of the entire 2023 season. This touchdown came with just under four minutes left and eventually gave the Bills the win.

Although Allen clutched up a bit in the fourth quarter, the first three quarters were a struggle for the veteran quarterback. He finished with the lowest yards per throw average of any game so far this season (5.6). He also had an interception that he threw to New York linebacker Micah McFadden. He also finished with a QBR of just 46.0. This is the lowest mark of the season for him.

Did Josh Allen rely too much on Stefon Diggs against the New York Giants?

So how did the Buffalo Bills get outplayed like this and made their win look nastier than usual? Well, it may not account for every reason, but Allen's pass attempts and targets clue you in.

Allen made 19 completions on Sunday night with 10 of them going to Stefon Diggs for 100 yards flat. The next highest number of completions went to Gabe Davis and Dawson Knox, who had three each. It seemed as if Allen almost got too dependent upon Diggs and it began to hurt his ability to spread the ball all over the field and create any offense prior to the fourth quarter.

The biggest play through the air for Buffalo was 28 yards by Diggs as well. This is reminiscent of week one against the New York Jets when Davis had the biggest catch for the Bills of 26 yards. This led to a Buffalo loss to open the season.

Allen struggling was huge in keeping the Giants in the game in Highmark Stadium. They were suffocating on the Bills' receivers giving Diggs his touches but being stingy with everyone else. This made Allen one-dimensional as he also had two rushing attempts all game and was unable to use his feet and could only get Diggs the ball at a relatively consistent rate.